Davenport Milenium and Limestone Lad could meet in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday week after both horses pleased connections when working at Gowran Park today.
Limestone Lad was partnered by Michael Bowe when completing two circuits of the Co. Kilkenny track in company with stable-companion Florida Coast, but Bowe is strongly considering a return to two miles with the stayer.
`I must admit I`m very tempted to go for the AIG with Limestone Lad, especially if the ground is testing. I was thrilled with him today, and he`s stronger than ever this season,` said Bowe.
He added, `I would say it`s 50-50 whether he goes to Leopardstown or Naas the previous day. Solerina (who did an easy piece of work at Gowran) will go for the AIG if he doesn`t, while she has an alternative option in a novice.`
Florida Coast, who suffered some `muscle problems` since winning on the Flat at Navan in October, will go for a three miles novice hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Davenport Milenium did a circuit of the track under stable amateur James Nash, along with Alexander Milenium and Killultagh Storm.
`James said he had a good blow after today`s spin, and we will take him away again somewhere next week. The AIG is the plan, although the ground is unlikely to be right for him,` said Mullins.
Mullins also confirmed that Alexander Milenium will make his chasing debut at Fairyhouse on Sunday. `He was very novicey when jumping two fences in the straight. Jamie (Codd) said the horse was distracted by Sackville running loose in front of him, but was much better when jumping the same two fences again.`
Adamant Approach will be aimed at both versions of the Arkle Chase in Leopardstown and Cheltenham, and Mullins commented, `It was simply fantastic the way he jumped at Punchestown last time, and making the running seemed to suit him much better.`
The unraced Davenport Democrat, who has scoped poorly with some mucus recently, and Galway winner Royal Alphabet were nominated as the two main hopes to extend Mullins` great record in the Cheltenham Festival Bumper.
